Nursing Jobs (RN)
We've been working on moving to the USVI for a while, downsizing our things etc. I understand it is easier to get a position on Island. My husband has had a few phone interviews for Engineering (but nothing has panned out so far).
I am a Registered Nurse - I recently took a few years off and I am ready to get back into the game. I thought I would wait until we were there but I might start looking now. Also going to start a NP program online so I will need to find local clinical sites.
Anybody know how easy it is to obtain the license there? Anybody work in the nursing field that has suggestions? Do you think it will be hard for me to jump in there after taking a few years off?
I prefer to work in an Urgicare or possibly a PACU setting. Not against a hospital or Dr's office but shying away from nights due to going back to school.
Any thoughts for RN positions in St. Croix or St. John? Reviews from people working in the local hospitals?
Thanks!
Daval: We would welcome you! For St Thomas and St John, I hope you will look at the SRMC website: http://www.rlshospital.org/Home.aspx . I actually had to look up PACU; we don't have the choice in facilities that is available in Big America. 😉
Sorry! It's post anesthesia care unit for mostly outpatient type of surgeries. I saw there was an opening for STJ ER. I sent an application. I've been away from nursing for a few years so maybe that will work against me? But I had a ton of critical care experience prior to my little break. I haven't heard back though.
St John has a clinic, not really an ER. There are a couple of outpatient surgeries in physician offices. Dr. Bacot for one (orthopedic), but I think it is for minor surgery, and perhaps the ophthalmology offices. As I said, it is very different here. It might be good to come down personally and investigate.
Actually, Dr.Bacot uses the surgical facilities at RLS hospital for anything other than a minor procedure. My sister recently fell and broke her arm, her surgery by Bacot was performed at RLSH.
STJ has a clinic and limited care.
For true emergencies and serious injuries, patients must be transported to STT/RLSH by boat and then ambulance.
It's not that hard to obtain a nursing license- you can find the application online at the usvi board of nursing site. The only thing you may have a problem with is not having worked in a few years. The board does require active hours for application and renewal regardless of your current licensure in other states. For renewal it is 320 hours in 2 years. i would contact the board directly and explain your situation- since your time away is recent they will give you guidance as to whether your work history will qualify or if they will require a refresher course. If they do require a refresher- best to do it in the states because to my knowledge there is none currently available in the VI. I have worked at the hospital , home health and hospice on St Croix and they are always looking for help! School nursing is usually a good option if you don't want to work nights. You can also check with the dept of health. It usually takes a long time to hear back from the government run agencies. The pay is probably no where near what you are used to.. Enjoy and best wishes on your new adventures!
Thanks I have updated all my CEU's and I am renewing my ACLS/PALS so that hopefully will help with recent exposure. I see they look for CEU's on renewal.
I'll include all of that information in my application.
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